How to Make a Wooden Sword & Shield

Swords and shields are ideal toys for children who enjoy playing knights in armor and battle. Homemade wooden swords and shields are easy to make and can give children hours of entertainment and play. Since the sword and shield are made of wood, they can be personalized with creative paints and images to make the knight feel brave on the battle field.

Things You'll Need

Pencil

Measuring tape

1/2 inch thick plywood, 2 large pieces

Small saw

Sandpaper

Paint

Glue

1/4 inch long nails

Hammer

Hook and loop fasteners, 2 strips

The Sword

Draw two parallel lines on the plywood board for the sword. The lines indicate the size of the sword. If the sword is for a younger child, make the sword smaller than if it is for a teenager. Connect the two lines at one end by drawing a "V" top. This is the point of the sword.

Make the handle by drawing a rectangle perpendicular to the sword on the opposite end of the V-shape. The rectangle should be 4 inches from the end, creating a handle. The rectangle should be 4 inches in width and 2 inches in height. The height lines should be perpendicular to the sword lines. Erase the rectangular lines that go through the sword itself.

Connect the end of the sword by drawing a line between the two line ends, perpendicular to the sword lines. The sword should now have one end with a V-shape and one end with the shape of a cross.

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Cut the sword out using a saw. Sandpaper the edges smooth to avoid splinters. Paint the sword, so it becomes a personalized warrior weapon.

The Shield

Draw one straight 2-feet long line horizontally on another piece of plywood. From one end of the line, draw an 18-inch line straight down, so it is perpendicular to the original line. Do this on the other end of the line as well.

Draw a line that connects the two vertical lines. This line could create a rounded point, a V-shape or an oval shape, depending on the desired look of the shield.

Cut out the shield, following the lines drawn with a saw. Sandpaper the edges smooth to avoid splinters.

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Paint the outside of the shield, so it matches the sword. Paint horses, castles or symbols on the shield. Let the shield dry.

Turn the shield so the inside of the shield is facing upward. Decide where the hook and loop fastener strips will be placed. The hook and loop fasteners will help hold the shield around the knight's arm. Apply glue to the backside of the hook and loop fastener strips and place them a few inches apart, depending on the child's arm size. Use the nails and hammer to ensure the hook and loop fastener strips are attached to the shield. Let the glue set before wearing the shield in battle.